Denis Hutchinson wasn't all that surprised to hear about the three successive sandwedge shots holed by Tiger Woods in practice at Valderrama this week. "I once saw Gary Player hole six bunker-shots in a row," said the former South African tournament player, who now commentates splendidly for television. "And Norman Von Nida (the illustrious Australian) was also a demon out of bunkers."

Over the last two weeks, Hutchinson has shared some delightful reminiscences with me, including his visits to Ireland, especially for the Jeyes Tournament at Royal Dublin in 1962. "Next time you see David Sheahan, be sure to give him my best regards," he said, referring to the Grange amateur who outscored him in the battle for the Jeyes title.

"As I remember it, there were actually two separate competitions, one for the pros and another for the amateurs. But there's no question but that David outscored me." So, Sheahan, who gained Walker Cup honours the following year, is accepted as the last amateur to win an important European professional tournament.

But with the second-best score, Hutchinson claimed the professional prize. "And I remember getting my winner's bonus off the Dunlop company," he added. Ironically, Hutchinson had been in Sheahan's situation three years previously when, as an amateur, he beat a professional field to capture the 1959 South Africa Open title.

This day in golf history. . . . On November 11th, 1951, Frank Urban "Fuzzy" Zoeller was born in New Albany, Indiana. His first "major" triumph was in the 1979 US Masters when he birdied the second playoff hole to beat Tom Watson and Ed Sneed for the title. He also won the 1984 US Open in a play-off, beating Greg Norman by 67 to 75 over 18 holes at Winged Foot.

Teaser: A and B hit their balls into ground under repair. The balls are approximately 18 inches apart. A's ball is farther from the hole. Both players decide to take relief. Is the order of play for the next shot determined by the relative positions of the balls before relief is taken, or after?

Answer: The order of play is determined by the relative positions of the balls before relief is taken. A should play before B (see Rules 101b and -2b).

Tracey Stewart, Tiger Woods and Mark O'Meara at Waterville last summer.